Reintroducing 30 Bison to Kansas Prairie Doubled Native Plant Diversity Over 29 Years

In 1987, 30 bison were reintroduced to Konza Prairie in Kansas as part of a long-term grassland ecology study. Over the following 29 years, researchers observed a strong link between bison grazing and a significant increase in native plant diversity. Local native species richness grew by 103%, while diversity across broader catchment areas rose by 86%. Notably, plant diversity recovered even after a severe drought, suggesting bison grazing supports ecological resilience. The findings highlight the role large herbivores can play in restoring native grassland ecosystems.